Ranked #1 of 16 2005 Shiraz Viognier from Canberra District
93/100
4.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
From a textbook season, this is a very good Clonakilla without perhaps the detail and nuance of the very best. Classic, sweetly fragrant spicy aromas, pepper and cloves uppermost. It's lively and elegant in the mouth, with plenty of acid as well as plenty of alcohol warmth. There is still some tightness and firmness in what is quite a big wine.
Tasted: 11/09/2012
Drink: 2012 to 2025
92 Points Robert Parker
Medium to deep garnet in color and very perfumed with violets and wilted roses wafting over a core of kirsch and blueberry preserves, the 2005 Shiraz Viognier is more peppery in the medium-bodied mouth and is framed by balanced acid, medium levels of grainy tannins and a long finish. Drink it now to 2017+.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. June, 2014
96 Points James Halliday
Fragrant and aromatic; a picture of medium-bodied, silky, satin elegance; if you want a musical analogy, think of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Spring. More prosaically, is very different to the '06, even allowing for the time in bottle, with more finesse and less power. Drink to 2025.
James Halliday. June, 2023
The brilliant 2005 Shiraz/Viognier reveals a dark ruby/purple hue along with an exotic, flamboyant bouquet of peach jam intermixed with blueberry and blackberry liqueur. Deep and rich with excellent precision, full body, sweet tannin, and decent acidity, it can be enjoyed over the next decade.Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) December, 2006 by Robert Parker